October 14th, 2020

BAT Machine’s New Superlight Vampire & Bumblebee Actions

BAT Machine light wight lightweight aluminum action receiver bumblebee vampire alex wheeler hunting

Here is what high-end hunters have been requesting for years — an ultra-lightweight mag-fed action with Benchrest-grade smoothness, engineering, and craftsmanship. BAT Machine has just introduced two impressive new aluminum/steel hybrid repeater actions — the Bumblebee (short action) and the Vampire (long action). These are REALLY light. BAT states 23.8 ounces for the Bumblebee, and Alex Wheeler reports the Vampire is 25.3 ounces. So you get titanium-class weight savings without the titanium hassles.

Both the Bumblebee ($1699 MSRP) and the Vampire ($1765 MSRP) are aluminum/steel designs with integral recoil lugs and +20 MOA Picatinny rail segments. Though they are flat-bottom actions, both are designed to fit most Remington 700-pattern stocks. Gunsmith Alex Wheeler says: “This action shape should be very stable in the bedding — you just need to square up the inlet.”

Both the Vampire and Bumblebee actions feature a modular bolt. BAT does the modular bolt differently than anyone else, and very cleverly. This design allows easier bolt face changes and spring changes. Internal maintenance is also easier. Bat bolts also run super smoothly. Alex Wheeler reports “the Vampire action is very smooth — it feels just like BAT’s all-steel actions.”

BAT Machine light wight lightweight aluminum action receiver bumblebee vampire alex wheeler hunting
Vampire action photos courtesy WheelerAccuracy.com. The Vampire fits a 4″-long CFE-09 magazine box.

Alex Wheeler got one of the first Vampire actions, and he was impressed. This is a long-action repeater, with standard or Magnum bolt. Alex says the mating of steel and aluminum was superb: “I have checked it for straightness and lug contact. It’s very good. I’m impressed with how straight they got this insert.”

BAT Machine light wight lightweight aluminum action receiver bumblebee vampire alex wheeler hunting

Bumblebee Action — State-of-the-Art Lightweight Hunting Action
If you are seeking a very lightweight action with Benchrest-quality smoothness and precision fit/finish, consider the Bumblebee. Weighing under 24 ounces, this new Bumblebee short action may be perfect for hunters, varminters, and tactical shooters who desire a light weight, premium quality action. The new Bumblebee is designed to use 700 Short Action bottom metal. Combining steel and aluminum, the Bumblebee combines 4140 Chromoly Steel and 7076-T6 Aluminum to achieve strength and rigidity at a weight rivaling titanium. According to BAT, the Bumblebee’s advance design makes it “31%-42% stiffer than light weight steel actions and over 130% stiffer than round Titanium actions.”

BAT Machine light wight lightweight aluminum action receiver bumblebee vampire alex wheeler hunting

Bumblebee Action Features and Specifications:
— Action weight is 23.8 oz. as configured in photos (11.4 oz. lighter than BAT VR/TR actions)
— Weight comparable to Titanium actions after including Picatinny rails, recoil lugs, and fasteners
— 31%-42% stiffer than lightweight steel actions and over 130% stiffer than round Titanium actions
— Action body made with aircraft-grade billet 7075-T6 Aluminum and hardened 4140 Chromoly Steel
— Integral +20 MOA Picatinny two-section rail standard
— Modular bolt for lower cost bolt face changes
— .070″ firing pin diameter for maximum accuracy and reliable ignition
— Standard medium aluminum bolt knob, 5/16-24 thread
— LiFe Melonite-treated firing pin, bolt and shroud for smooth bolt movement and low maintenance
— Extended extraction cam for smooth bolt opening
— Uses Remington 700 SA trigger components and bottom metal
— Right-hand and left-hand versions
— Barrel tenon is 1.062 x 18 tpi (CLICK HERE for blueprint)

Product tip from EdLongRange. We welcome reader submissions.